Elk outside the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The most dangerous thing in any park is probably people but it is worth bearing in mind that many of the parks are home to wild animals, poisonous plants and snakes / bugs and some really extreme weather. In the UK we are used to quite a benign environment so do not discount any warnings from the park authorities. The hazards most likely to cause an issue on any trip are
Other people – Take care in car parks and near roads. Drivers are often distracted by trying to find a parking space or looking at wildlife. Don’t forget the traffic is coming from the other direction….
Sunburn – This can be a particular problem at altitude. It may not feel that hot but the sun will be powerful and will burn you to lobster red very quickly. Likewise if you are hanging out in the Everglades the day may be overcast but you will still burn. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
Dehydration – This is a particular problem at altitude and if you are doing unaccustomed activity. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
Ankle injuries – The Park Service has to rescue hundreds of people every year who have injured themselves, normally by taking on a hiking trail without the proper equipment, often footwear. Don’t try and go hiking in flip flops.
Biting insects – These always seem to be especially common where ever I am but are present during the summer in most of the parks. You can buy insect repellent in drug stores, grocery stores and all the park shops.
Poison ivy / poison oak – When I first heard about this stuff I assumed it was like a stinging nettle. It isn’t, its far, far worse. Contact can cause blisters and ulceration and ingestion can cause all manner of problems. It is really nasty stuff. Talk to the Rangers about how to identify it and whether it is a problem on any trail you want to hike. Ensure children understand if it is present and make sure they do not touch any unidentified plants.
Wild animals – Visit the Rangers and find out about the animals present in the park you are visiting and how to be safe around them. Just because animals appear benign don’t get too close. People get injured by animals like elk and bison every year by getting too close to them. Just because they don’t have big, sharp, pointy teeth doesn’t mean they are not dangerous.
Weather – The weather can change very quickly, especially in the mountains, don’t get caught out in the open in a thunderstorm.
In the event of an emergency dial 911 for the emergency services. Some Parks also have their own telephone number to call in the event of an emergency and this will be listed on the free guide you receive on your entry to the Park.